Gloucestershire dog owners are being warned of a nasty virus sweeping the Midlands with fears it could spread to the county soon.

Dr John Rosie, a vet based in the East Midlands, is alerting pet owners of a bacterial infection spreading across the reason, which he says has registered an increased number of gastroenteritis cases in dogs over the last two weeks.

Dr Rosie, 37, said he has been treating around five dogs with the virus each week and does not usually see this many cases throughout the rest of the year.

(Image: Handout)

Other veterinary practices are also reported to be treating dogs suffering with the infection.

Mr Rosie, who has been a vet since 2004, said: "We see a lot of people in their own home but there has been a higher number of cases although we don't have the exact diagnosis of what the cause is yet.